Delhi to refocus on industry for employment creation: Kejriwal

New Delhi, Feb 11 (KNN) Reversing the policy of the previous government of phasing out of industry from the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, today pledged to make industry as the engine of employment creation in Delhi.

Addressing a large gathering of representatives of industry associations at FICCI auditorium here, he earnestly sought the suggestions from associations for developing a long term vision for industry and also to put in place an enabling policy framework.

Highlights of today’s announcements include:

- An immediate release of Rs 150 crore for repair of the industrial areas- A scheme to be announced soon to allow conversion of lease hold plots to free hold- Circle rate of Bawana to be lowered to the prevailing market rate (about Rupees fifteen thousand)- Connectivity to Bawana by expanding Delhi Metro and DTC bus services- MSME registration to be given in 7 days under MSMED Act 2006“I am appalled to see the pathetic condition of industrial infrastructure,” said Kejriwal equating the state of industrial areas of Delhi with that of industrial ghettos of 18thcentury England.

The representatives of associations persistently complained about the neglect of industrial areas even if three agencies namely the MCD, DSIDC and the PPP companies were collecting taxes and levies.

Delhi’s Industry Minister Satyendra Kumar Jain, who was also present during the meeting, would visit each industrial area- authorized or unauthorized, to have a first-hand view of problems and discuss solutions with industries.

Corruption, inspector raj, multiplicity of authorities and pathetic condition of industrial areas were the key pain points that emerged during the meeting.

The Chief Minister called on those present to advise and suggest measures to improve the conditions.